I have written a lot about life in Lake Norman and how we have two very different types of communities within the same towns. This is particularly true in the town of Mooresville where you will find Donald Trump’s Trump National Golf Cluband the largest number of waterfront homes and estates on all of Lake Norman. However, if you travel east of Interstate 77 you will discover the original, historic town of Mooresville which was developed along the railroad in the 1800’s for its earliest residents, cotton farmers. Since I moved here in 2005 Historic Downtown Mooresville has gone from a sleepy town to a true destination with great restaurants, shops, art galleries, entertainment and a number of festivals and community events. The photo above is taken at the recently upgraded John Franklin Moore Park which is adjacent to the railroad tracks. Last July the Exchange Club created this wonderful display of American flags for the 4th of July. In the background is the original train depot which is now home to the Mooresville Artist Guild as well as some other historic buildings on Main and Broad Streets.

This gorgeous photo was taken by renowned artist Cotton Ketchie, owner of Mooresville’sLandmark Galleries, who spends much of his time driving all over North Carolina and even summer trips around the country, taking stunning photos. And, of course, he also takes some amazing photos of Lake Norman like this one. If you haven’t visited his store on Main Street in Historic Downtown Mooresville you should put it on your list for 2013! Continue reading →

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays when just about everyone feels at least a wee bit’o Irish simply because it is such a fun day.

That is why the news that Mooresville is holding its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is welcomed by so many! While a full week before St. Patrick’s Day, the parade which is Saturday, March 9th beginning at 3 pm, promises enough shamrocks, leprechauns and green to get everyone in the spirit.

“Hosted by the Mooresville Downtown Commission, the parade will feature Irish step dancers and the Irish bagpipe band Ceo na Gaels. Ceo na Gaels will play “music of the Gaels” mostly Irish tunes but will also add some Scottish tunes as well. Named Best Musical Group in the 2011 Charlotte St. Patrick’s Day Parade, they will be wearing the traditional Irish saffron Kilt. Continue reading →

Lake Norman has welcomed a number of new restaurants and shops over the past months adding even more wonderful opportunities for those of us lucky enough to live here! From unique dining like the Hot Stone Grill pictured above to Sugar Pop’s Candy store in Downtown Mooresville, there is something new for just about everyone:

Historic Downtown Mooresville

Thistle Meadow Winery‘s new retail store is now the second wine shop in downtown Mooresville. They offer tastings, wine by the glass, by the bottle or the case. Have fun learning not only about drinking wines but about making wines as well! 240 North Main Street, Mooresville. 704.660.9803

The Enchanted Olive is truly an adventure! Imagine a store centered entirely on olive oils and vinegars where you can try samples of each at a tasting bar and order your olive oil poured right on the spot rather than purchased in a prepackaged bottle. They offer 46 varieties of olive oils and vinegars. Luckily they have a great sales staff who can help you chose the right flavors for you. 119 North Main Street, Mooresville.

SugarPop’s Candy’s wants to bring to you and your family “An Experience, A Memory, a Smile”. With nearly 200 types of candy including sugar-free and 100 types of eclectic sodas you will definitely find something for your sweet tooth! 248 North Main Street, Mooresville. 704.799.0959.

HEbrews Coffee House ‘s arrival brings a much needed (in Downtown Mooresville), warm and inviting coffee house where you truly feel welcome to settle in to their stuffed furniture and simply relax. They offer the usual coffee and espresso drinks plus sweet tea, smoothies and baked goods. Free WiFi too! 171 North Main Street. 704.658.1178

Sub Express is the second restaurant for owner Andrea Faw whose first location is in Statesville. They are known not only for their sub sandwiches but also their pasta salads. They also offer homemade soups in the winter plus salads and kids meals. It is take out but they do provide seating for 42. Located on North Main Street just south of the CVS Pharmacy.

Lake Norman Side of Mooresville

Chipolte Mexican Grill opened to instant success. Replacing the Panda Express, their opening was much anticipated by locals. What makes Chipolte so popular? Food with Integrity is their motto. “It means serving the very best sustainably raised food possible with an eye to great taste, great nutrition and great value”. Oh, and did I mention their food is delicious as well? 643 River Hwy. (In the Bed Bath and Beyond/Best Buy shopping center). 704.664.0946

Olives Martini Bar just opened recently. The reviews on Yelp say “They make the best Martinis in Mooresville and have daily specials, a great bartender and a pleasant, nice, sociable atmosphere.” Located next to Jimmie Johns at 269-279 Williamson Rd., Mooresville. It looks like they are also opening a grill next door.

Subway was very stealth-like in opening their newest location on Brawley School Rd at Stutts Rd next to The Food Lion. We were going to Shoals for lunch last weekend and noticed it was there!

Cornelius

Hot Stone Grill is already getting two thumbs up and 5 stars on Yelp! It’s unique dining concept is table top cooking on hot stones. Nazira Atme, a partner and the general manager, was born in France which definitely has an influence on their menu boasting of dishes from Germany, France, England, Greece, Switzerland, Spain, Italy and Russia. Each person gets their own stone which has been heated for 6-8 hours up to 500 degrees. Not a cook? They also over a separate list of international dishes plus and extensive wine list. 17015 Kenton Drive, Cornelius. 704.765.5924

Santorini Grill brings the Greek Isles to Cornelius! Owners Dorjan and Oresti Arsi have drawn their food and service philosophy and approach from their parents. Their family moved to the US from Greece over ten years ago. With its amazing atmosphere and excellent food, Santorini Grill is already getting great reviews on Urban Spoon. 19905 W. Catawba Ave. Cornelius. 704.464.0028

Huntersville

Bonefish Grill recently opened in Birkdale Village. Fresh ingredients cooked over a wood-burning grill are what make this restaurant so popular. Don’t be fooled by their name as they have many wonderful dishes that are not fish for those preferring a good steak/chicken or pork. They also take great pride in their bar: Our dedication to inventive freshness doesn’t stop on the fishing docks or in our kitchen. The bar at Bonefish Grill follows a philosophy that we like to call “bar-fresh.” From the hand-squeezed juices and fine herbs we use in our cocktails to regionally sourced beers and small-batch bourbons, we keep it fresh. 8805 Townly Rd. Huntersville. 704.892-3385.

Big Daddy’s Burger Bar is another newcomer to Lake Norman’s popular Birkdale Village. Known for their innovative comfort food, they also focus on fresh , high quality ingredients combined to make such items as the “Bad Ass Burger”, to Ahi Tuna burgers…and you can build your own burger as well! Check out their extensive menu on the link I provided. 8625 A Lindholm Drive, Birkdale Village, Huntersville. 704.237.4055.

I know I just barely scratched the surface so please add your favorites to our list in the comments or email them to me!

Those of you who have followed this blog since 2007 will know that I have written about the schizophrenic nature of our Lake Norman communities along the east side of the lake where you will find the historic Main Street towns of Mooresville, (pictured above), Davidson, Cornelius and Huntersville on the east side of Interstate 77 and then the newer sides of these towns on the west side of I-77 along Lake Norman.

This gorgeous photo taken by renowned artist Cotton Ketchie, owner of Mooresville’sLandmark Galleries, captures the charm and small-town feel of Historic Downtown Mooresville so beautifully. On the right is the window of D.E. Turner’s Hardware Store which was opened in 1899 and where you can still buy an old-fashioned red wagon or ice cream churn for your children. The charming street lights and restored brick storefronts make one feel like they have traveled back in time to when cotton farmers made up the majority of the 3000 residents. (Thanks to growth, particularly on the Lake Norman side, the population has grown ten-fold since then.) Continue reading →

If you really want to learn about and buy art depicting our beloved Mooresville and Lake Norman a visit to Cotton Ketchie at his Landmark Galleries store in Historic Downtown Mooresville is an absolute must do!

Cotton Ketchie is world renowned for his gorgeous watercolors which capture the past and present beauty through subjects ranging from many historic homes and landmarks, spectacular landscapes, scenes of Lake Norman, stunning nature and quaint reminders of our past. He is even featured in the most recent AAA travelers guide book for North Carolina for Mooresville’s places to visit! Continue reading →

I am thrilled to announce that renowned artist Cotton Ketchie, owner of Mooresville’sLandmark Galleries, has generously provided me with well over a year’s worth of spectacular photos for Lake Norman Real Estate’s monthly wallpaper calendars! Cotton first became known for his stunning watercolors but a few years ago not only expanded to photography but also became a prolific writer. There is no better person to provide insight into the history of Mooresville. His first book, Memories of a Country Boy , is a witty account of Cotton’s childhood growing up in Mooresville. If you are in the Lake Norman area it is well worth the time to visit him at his gallery on Main Street in Historic Downtown Mooresville. Or, you can follow him on Facebook! He was one of the first persons I met when I moved here in 2005. Since then I am honored to call him and his wonderful wife Vickie friends. Continue reading →

St. Patrick’s Day is one of those holidays where just about everyone feels at least a wee bit’o Irish simply because it is such a fun day.

That is why the news that Mooresville is holding its first St. Patrick’s Day Parade in over 20 years is welcomed by so many! While a full week before St. Patrick’s Day, this Saturday, March 10th from 2-4 pm promises enough shamrocks, leprechauns and green to get everyone in the spirit.

“Hosted by the Mooresville Downtown Commission, the parade will feature a bagpipe band and local dance groups, said MDC Executive Director Kim Atkins” according to a recent article in the Mooresville Tribune.

The parade will be on Main Street in Historic Downtown Mooresville starting at Iredell Avenue at 2pm. While there, you might want to check out the many wonderful shops and restaurants as well and help support our local businesses! Continue reading →